WO2005074571A2

WO2005074571A2 - Flexible lip seal for an integral container and cap assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2005074571A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/002876
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Pierre Giraud
Original assignee: Capitol Plastic Products LLC
Current assignee: Capitol Plastic Products LLC
Priority date: 2004-01-30
Filing date: 2005-01-31
Publication date: 2005-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2006-07-30
Also published as: WO2005074571A3

Abstract

The integral container and cap assembly, best seen in figure 1A, comprises a cap (3) integrally attached to the container, wherein the cap having a circular base with an outer periphery and a cylindrical tubular skirt (10) extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base; a container (4) wherein the container has a cylindrical upstanding rim (12); a flexible lip (2), wherein the flexible lip is a projection that projects concentrically from an interior surface of the base of the cap and, when the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the inner wall of the skirt of the cap, the flexible lip interacts with the rim to sufficiently deflect so as to form a resealable seal between the cap and the container.

Description

FLEXIBLE LIP SEAL FOR AN INTEGRAL CONTAINER AND CAP ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a resealable integral container and cap assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention can be used to store and package moisture-sensitive items, including but not limited to pharmaceuticals, and foods, among other items. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the container substantially prohibits the ingress of moisture into the container through the cap when the container is sealed. In other words, it is substantially moisture-tight. In another aspect of the invention, the container assembly is provided with a desiccant or similar material, which reduces the moisture present within the container when it is sealed. That is, after the container has been sealed, the desiccant absorbs moisture present therein. Likewise, after the container has been opened and then resealed, the desiccant absorbs moisture that entered the cavity when the container was opened. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprises an integral cap portion and container portion, joined together by a hinge. In another embodiment, where the container is cylindrical, the bottom of the container portion is defined by a disc-like base, from which the sidewall of the container portion depends upward to an upper end of the container portion. The upper end of the container portion defines an opening through which the interior of the container can be accessed. In a specific embodiment, the region of the upper end of the container portion extending upward from the hinge is the lip. In a further embodiment, a rim, positioned on the outside of the lip, extends around the periphery of the lip. It is understood that the lip seal member of the present invention is not limited to cylindrical containers but may also be employed with other shaped containers. In a further embodiment, the cap portion is provided with a base and a skirt positioned on the periphery of the base, the skirt extending substantially perpendicular to the base. The base portion has a periphery sized so that when the cap portion is in the closed position, the base portion extends over the opening in the container portion. The interior diameter of the skirt is sized just slightly greater than the outer diameter of the upper end of the container portion, so that when the cap portion is closed upon the container portion, the cap portion and the container portion are in a sealing relationship. In yet another embodiment, the skirt is provided with an inner wall, which includes at least one profile element, which will be described later. In another embodiment, the cap portion has opposing ends, with a thumb tab positioned at one end of the cap portion for facilitating the opening and closing of the assembly, and, at an opposite end, the cap portion is joined to a hinge, which in turn is joined the container portion. In one embodiment, the thumb tab and hinge extend perpendicularly and outwardly from the skirt of the cap. In yet another embodiment, the container portion further includes a flange projecting radially and outwardly from the outer surface of the container portion sidewall. The flange prevents the cap portion from being unintentionally opened and also serves as an indicator, whose condition can be observed visually, to determine whether the cap portion, when closed on the container, is correctly and uniformly positioned around the flange. In still another embodiment, the hinge is attached to the flange. In yet another embodiment, the skirt of the cap portion is designed to overlie the rim of the container portion and be in uniform close proximity to the container portion flange during the closed position. In another embodiment, the cap portion and the container portion are molded of plastic. In yet another embodiment, the hinge is formed between the cap portion and the container portion; the hinge is joined to each, and these three components are integrally molded of the plastic. In still another embodiment, a moisture tight seal is effected when the cap portion is closed upon the container portion. In a further embodiment, the hinge is provided with a recess. The recess separates the hinge into two hinge segments, the first hinge segment being attached to the skirt of the cap portion (or skirt thereof) and the second hinge segment being attached to the container portion. In still a further embodiment, the recess functions as a pivot point for the cap portion as it moves between the open position and the closed position, and vice versa. In yet another embodiment, the inner wall of the skirt, which faces the lip of the container portion when the cap portion is closed upon the container portion, is profiled complimentary to the profile of the lip of the container portion. In one specific embodiment, this arrangement manifests itself in the provision of an abutment, positioned on the inner wall of the skirt, further positioned to compliment the profile of the rim that is provided on the lip of the container portion. In a further specific embodiment, in which the rim on the lip extends outward (relative to the inside of the container) and the abutment on the skirt extends inward (relative to the inside of the container), the profiles of the rim and abutment are positioned and contoured in a complementary arrangement, so that when the cap portion is sealed upon the container portion, the rim and abutment are engaged in a sealing relationship. In yet a more specific embodiment, the abutment and the rim are provided with tapered profiles that face each other and are shaped and sized to abut each other when the cap is closed onto the container portion, which facilitates the sealing arrangement. In yet a further embodiment, the base portion of the cap portion is provided on its inner side (relative to the inside of the container) with a flexible sealing member. In a further embodiment, the flexible sealing member depends downward from the inner side of the base portion, and extends around the base portion in an arrangement that conforms to the shape of the container portion. In a further embodiment, the flexible sealing member is positioned on the inner side of the base portion so that when the cap portion is closed upon the container portion, the flexible sealing member sealingly engages with the upper end of the lip, to facilitate the formation of a moisture tight seal. In another embodiment, the integral container and cap assembly comprises a cap that is integrally attached to the container, wherein the cap having a circular base with an outer periphery and a cylindrical tubular skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base; a container having an upper portion and an inner and outer surface, wherein the container having a cylindrical upstanding rim at the upper portion, the rim is defined as that portion of the container that contacts an inner wall of the skirt of the cap, the rim having an inner and outer wall rim; a flexible lip, wherein the flexible lip is a projection that projects concentrically from an interior surface of the base of the cap and, when the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the inner wall of the skirt of the cap, the flexible lip interacts with the rim to sufficiently deflect so as to form a resealable seal between the cap and the container. In a further embodiment, the cap further comprises a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container and at least one hinge attached to the container wherein the hinge has at least one hinge recess bend point that functions to rotate the cap at one pivot point, the thumb tab and the hinge being positioned on substantially opposing ends of the cap and extending perpendicularly and outwardly from the skirt of the cap. In another embodiment, the inner wall of the skirt further comprises a first portion that is conically tapered, extends downward from a top portion of the skirt, a second portion connected to the first portion and that is substantially perpendicular to the base, extends downward from the first portion, and a third portion connected to the second portion and extends downward from the second portion. For example, the inner rim wall is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the container. In yet another embodiment, an inner projection projects concentrically from an interior surface of the base of the cap, the inner projection has a smaller diameter than the flexible lip seal projection and the inner projection is connected to the flexible lip. In a further embodiment, sufficient frontal, downward pressure is applied upon the thumb tab of the cap with the one hand until the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the cap recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap so as to form a moisture-tight seal. In another embodiment, the flexible lip seal is such that, when the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the inner wall of the skirt of the cap, the flexible lip interacts with the rim to sufficiently deflect the outwardly positioned flexible lip to create a pseudo-check valve that enables undesirable gases to be selectively released from the container. In a further embodiment, the assembly is used in conjunction with effervescent tablet packaging for the selective release of CO2. In another embodiment, the flexible lip is designed so that the flexible lip does not rely on the interference fit created by the container body and cap undercut to form the seal. In another example, the flexible lip is designed so that the flexible lip does not extend into the container body along the inner side wall and the flexible lip forms a seal along an angled feature on a top surface of the rim. In a further example, the flexible lip is designed so that the cap drives the flexible lip into the sealing position. In another example, the flexible lip is designed so that the opening force of the container and cap assembly is independent of a seal tightness. In a further example, the flexible lip seal does not rely on an interference fit between the container cap and body. In yet another example, the flexible lip seal design decouples an opening/closing force of the assembly and seal tightness. In a further embodiment, the container further comprises a material that is absorbs moisture. For example, the assembly further comprises a desiccant entrained plastic. In yet a further embodiment, the integral container and cap assembly further comprises a hinge that has a recess proximate to the midway portion between the cap and the container, wherein the recess forms two hinge segments, the first hinge segment being joined to the cap and the second hinge segment being attached to the container, the recess provides a bending point for the hinge, thereby defining a point of pivot for the cap portion as it is opened or closed on the container portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following figures are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not meant to limit the invention to the embodiments shown in the figures. Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the container and cap assembly in the open position; Figure 1A is a cross sectional enlarged view of the hinge side of the upper portion showing the lip seal mechanism of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the container and cap assembly in the closed position; Figure 2A is a cross sectional enlarged view of the upper portion showing the lip seal mechanism of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; Figure 3 is a top view of the cap and container in the open position of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the container and cap assembly in the open position; Figure 4A is a cross sectional enlarged view of the upper portion showing the lip seal mechanism of the embodiment shown in Figure 4; Figure 4B is a cross sectional enlarged view of the upper portion showing the rim portion of the container of the embodiment shown in Figure 4; Figure 5 is a cross sectional partial view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the container and cap assembly in the closed position; and Figure 5 A is a cross sectional enlarged view of the upper portion showing the lip seal mechanism of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures constitute a part of this specification and include illustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. In one embodiment, the flexible lip of the present invention is made of the same plastic material as the injection molded container and cap assembly. In one example, the flexible lip is molded during the same injection molding shot as the container and cap assembly. As illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 2, 2A and 5, 5 A, The flexible lip 2 is located on the underside of the cap 3. In yet another embodiment, the flexible lip 2 is a thin walled projection that is arranged concentrically on the cap's inner surface. In an example, the flexible lip is designed to be sufficiently deflect so as to assist in the formation of a seal. As examples, the design of degree of deflection of the flexible lip can include, but is not limited to, the composition of the flexible lip (e.g. type of plastic), the thickness of the flexible lip, the curvature of the flexible lip, the length of the flexible lip and/or any attachments to the flexible lip. When the cap 3 is closed, the flexible lip projection 2 deflects and is seated circumferentially along the upper surface of the container body 4, creating a sealing surface. In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 1A, a second concentric feature, referred herein as the inner-projection 5, is positioned on the underside of the cap 3. In one example, the inner projection 5 has a smaller diameter than the flexible lip seal projection. In a further embodiment, the inner projection 5 and the flexible lip projection 2 are connected by item 5A. This connection, 5A, may serve to assist in the deflection of the flexible lip when the cap is in the closed position. In one example, the inner projection 5 may assist in protecting the flexible lip seal from damage (due to incident contact with the cap). For example, when the container is filled with product (e.g. tablets) and the cap is closed, should the container become inverted, the product (e.g. tablets) may impose a force on the flexible lip 3 that can compromise the seal integrity. Moreover, when the cap is opened, the inner projection 5A may assist in reducing the damage to the flexible lip due to incident contact or force applied. In one example, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the inner projection 5 is configured so that, when cap is in the closed position, the inner projection 5A extends down beyond the length of the flexible lip projection. As such, the inner projection 5A may absorb the force from contact by product (e.g. tablets) with the cap during the package shelf life and use life. This is also illustrated in Figures 2A and 5. Figure 5 A illustrates one configuration where the flexible lip projection is deflected outward along the sealing surface on the top of the container body. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to liquid-tight and resealable container and cap assembly. The term "resealable" means that the container can be opened/reopened and closed/reclosed a numerous amount of times (e.g. more than 10 times) and still retain its liquid-tight properties. The term "liquid-tight" means that the container passes the blue crystal dye test. The blue crystal dye test is a visual test to detect leaks within a container seal. A container "passes" the blue crystal dye test if the white paper, in which the container is placed on, does not visually change color (i.e. The white paper does not become contaminated with the blue crystal dye liquid from the container). The blue crystal dye test procedure consists of the following : (a) the blue crystal dye liquid is prepared by adding one teaspoon of blue crystal dye powder to one gallon of alcohol and thoroughly mixing the solution; (b) the blue crystal dye liquid is poured into the container (i.e. a sufficient amount of the dye liquid must be added so, when the container is placed upside down, the entire seal area must be covered); (c) the container is closed by applying, in a singular motion, a frontal downward pressure upon the thumb tab (e.g. a user places his/her thumb parallel or on top of the thumb tab and applies a singular downward pressure) until the rim portion, adjacent to the thumb tab, contacts the inside flat part of the cap; (d) the container is placed upside down (i.e. inverted) on the white paper at room temperature; and (e) after 30 minutes, the white paper is inspected to determine if the white paper is contaminated with the blue crystal dye liquid. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to moisture-tight and resealable container and cap assembly. The term "resealable" means that the container can be opened/reopened and closed/reclosed a numerous amount of times (e.g. more than 10 times) and still retain its moisture-tight properties. The term "moisture tight" means the moisture ingress of the container (after three days) was less than about 1500 micrograms of water, in another embodiment, about 500 micrograms of water, in a further embodiment, about 300 micrograms of water determined by the following test method: (a) place one gram plus or minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve in the container and record the weight; (b) the container is closed by applying, in a singular motion, a frontal downward pressure upon the thumb tab until the rim portion, adjacent to the thumb tab, contacts the inside flat part of the cap also adjacent to the thumb tab; (c) place the closed container in an environmental chamber at conditions of 80% relative humidity and 72F; (c) after one day, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; (d) after four days, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; and (e) subtract the first day sample from the fourth day sample to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water. In one embodiment, the configuration of the flexible lip seal is such that the outwardly positioned flexible lip seal creates a pseudo-check valve feature that enables undesirable gases to be released from the container. In one specific application, the pseudo-check valve feature may be used in conjunction with effervescent tablet packaging, where the tablets often releasing CO2 during the shelf life — selective release of C02. As an illustration, for a typical container of about 30.0 mm diameter, in one example, the configuration may increase the overall cap diameter by about 2.0 mm compared to other flexible lip configurations. In another illustration, when the flexible lip projection is positioned (e.g. bent) inwardly, relative to the inside of the container, the seal may create a liquid-tight and/or moisture tight seal. The flexible lip contacts an angled feature along the top surface of the container body. Figures 1 through 3 illustrates an embodiment where the flexible lip projection 3 may be connected to the inner projection 5 to control the deflection of the flexible lip in the closed position. In another example, as illustrated in Figures 4 through 5A, the flexible lip 2 is not connected to the inner projection 5. By way of example (not meant to limit the embodiments), the differences between the flexible lip seal of the present invention and conventional interference fit seals may include one or more of the following: a) the flexible lip does not rely on the interference fit created by the container body and cap undercut to form the liquid and moisture tight sealing; b) the flexible lip does not extend into the container body along the inner side wall — the seal of the flexible lip is generally formed along an angled feature on the top surface of the container body; and c) the seal is formed by deflecting the flexible lip to a specific location, created by the cap closing - e.g. the cap drives the flexible lip into the sealing position. Suitable material for assembly 10 includes plastic (e.g. thermoplastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene). In one example of manufacturing the lip seal of the present invention, the flexible lip seal may be produced using a 16-cavity or 32- cavity injection molding machine. In one embodiment, the container and cap assembly may be closed after the "material is fully set." In another example of manufacturing the lip seal of the present invention where the cap and container are closed "before the material is fully set is, for example, illustrated by the mold disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,783,056 and 4,812,116, respectively. In a further embodiment, with such a process and mold, the assembly, including the cap, container and hinge may be produced in accordance with the operation disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,783,056 and 4,812,116 or, in another embodiment, may be produced in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 5,723,085. The disclosure of these patents are incorporated by reference herein. In a further embodiment, the lip seal feature of the present invention may be configured so that the opening force of the container and cap assembly is independent of the seal tightness. As such, the flexible lip seal does not rely on an interference fit between the container cap and body and thus, the cap opening force can be adjusted independent of seal tightness. In yet another embodiment, the lip seal of the present invention is configured so that the lip seal design decouples open/closing force of the container and cap assembly and seal tightness. In yet a further embodiment, the container and cap assembly of the present invention may include a child resistant feature. In another embodiment, the container includes a lining or other shaped article of a material that is used to absorb or release materials. As an example, if the material absorbs water vapor, it would serve to keep the contents at a low relative humidity since any moisture that permeated through the seal or the material itself would be absorbed. In one embodiment, suitable desiccant entrained plastic include, but are not limited to, these desiccant plastics disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 5,911,937, 6,214,255, 6,130,263, 6,080,350 and 6,174,952, 6,124,006, and 6,221,446. These references are incorporated herein by reference. In a further embodiment, the assembly of the present invention may be made with a 2-shot molded sleeve composed of the absorbing or releasing material. In another embodiment, the assembly of the present invention may be made with an in- mold liner composed of the absorbing or releasing material. For example, the in-mold liner may be produced in accordance with the operation disclosed in pending U.S. Serial No. 10/213,516. The disclosure of this pending patent application is incorporated by reference herein. In a further embodiment, the hinge of the assembly has a recess, at or proximate to the midway portion between the cap portion and the container portion. The recess forms two hinge segments, the first hinge segment 16a being joined to cap portion and the second hinge segment being attached to the container portion. The recess provides a bending point for the hinge, thereby defining a point of pivot for the cap portion as it is opened or closed on the container portion. In yet another embodiment, as illustrated by fig. 1 A, the inner wall of the skirt 10 of the cap 3, which faces the lip 11 of the container portion 4 when the cap portion is closed upon the container portion, is profiled complimentary to the profile of the lip of the container portion. In one specific embodiment, this arrangement manifests itself in the provision of an abutment, positioned on the inner wall of the skirt 10, further positioned to compliment the profile of the rim 12 that is provided on the lip of the container portion. In a further specific embodiment, in which the rim 12 on the lip 11 extends outward (relative to the inside of the container) and the abutment on the skirt 10 extends inward (relative to the inside of the container), the profiles of the rim 12 and abutment are positioned and contoured in a complementary arrangement, so that when the cap portion is sealed upon the container portion, the rim and abutment are engaged in a sealing relationship. In yet a more specific embodiment, the abutment and the rim are provided with tapered profile and that face each other and are shaped and sized to abut each other when the cap portion 12 is closed onto the container portion 14, which facilitates the sealing arrangement. In a further embodiment, aiding the sealing arrangement, as depicted in the figures, is that when the cap portion is closed on the container portion, and the rim abuts the flexible sealing member, the rim displaces the flexible sealing member in a direction towards the inner side of the base portion. Due to its flexibility, the flexible sealing member functions as a pseudo-spring that is biased towards its rest position, which is the state it was in prior to displacement. Accordingly, the flexible sealing member exerts a counterforce upon the rim in its desire to be at rest, thereby providing yet another mechanism that enhances the sealing arrangement between the flexible sealing member and the rim. In yet another embodiment, as illustrated by Fig. 1 A, the integral container and cap assembly comprises: (i) a cap that is integrally attached to the container; (ii) a container having an upper portion and an inner and outer surface, wherein: a) the container having a cylindrical upstanding rim at the upper portion; b) the rim is defined as that portion of the container that contacts an inner wall of the cap, the rim having an inner and outer wall rim, whereby the inner rim wall is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the container; (iii) the cap having a circular base with an outer periphery and a cylindrical tubular skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base; (iv) the cap comprising a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container and at least one hinge attached to the container wherein the hinge has at least one hinge recess bend point that functions to rotate the cap at one pivot point, the thumb tab and the hinge being positioned on substantially opposing ends of the cap and extending perpendicularly and outwardly from the skirt of the cap. In one specific embodiment, the skirt of the cap has an inner wall, the inner wall of the skirt comprising a first portion that is conically tapered, extends downward from a top portion of the skirt, a second portion connected to the first portion and that is substantially perpendicular to the base, extends downward from the first portion, and a third portion connected to the second portion and extends downward from the second portion. In yet another embodiment, a sufficient frontal, downward pressure is applied upon the thumb tab of the cap with the one hand until the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the cap recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap so as to form a moisture-tight seal. Although this invention has been described in terms of a certain preferred embodiment, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. An integral container and cap assembly comprising: a cap that is integrally attached to the container, wherein the cap having a circular base with an outer periphery and a cylindrical tubular skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base; a container having an upper portion and an inner and outer surface, wherein the container having a cylindrical upstanding rim at the upper portion, the rim is defined as that portion of the container that contacts an inner wall of the skirt of the cap, the rim having an inner and outer wall rim; a flexible lip, wherein the flexible lip is a projection that projects concentrically from an interior surface of the base of the cap and, when the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the inner wall of the skirt of the cap, the flexible lip interacts with the rim to sufficiently deflect so as to form a resealable seal between the cap and the container.

2. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the cap further comprising a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container and at least one hinge attached to the container wherein the hinge has at least one hinge recess bend point that functions to rotate the cap at one pivot point, the thumb tab and the hinge being positioned on substantially opposing ends of the cap and extending perpendicularly and outwardly from the skirt of the cap.

3. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the inner wall of the skirt further comprising a first portion that is conically tapered, extends downward from a top portion of the skirt, a second portion connected to the first portion and that is substantially perpendicular to the base, extends downward from the first portion, and a third portion connected to the second portion and extends downward from the second portion.

4. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 3 wherein the inner rim wall is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the container.

5. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the seal is a moisture tight seal.

6. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 further comprising an inner projection wherein the inner projection is a projection that projects concentrically from an interior surface of the base of the cap, the inner projection has a smaller diameter than the flexible lip seal projection and the inner projection is connected to the flexible lip.

7. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 6 wherein the seal is a moisture tight seal.

8. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 2 wherein a sufficient frontal, downward pressure is applied upon the thumb tab of the cap with the one hand until the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the cap recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap so as to form a moisture-tight seal.

9. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 2 wherein the flexible lip seal is such that, when the skirt of the cap overlies the container and at least a portion of the rim of the container engages the inner wall of the skirt of the cap, the flexible lip interacts with the rim to sufficiently deflect the outwardly positioned flexible lip to create a pseudo-check valve that enables undesirable gases to be selectively released from the container.

10. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 9, wherein the assembly is used in conjunction with effervescent tablet packaging for the selective release of C02.

11. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible lip is designed so that the flexible lip does not rely on the interference fit created by the container body and cap undercut to form the seal.

12. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible lip is designed so that the flexible lip does not extend into the container body along the inner side wall and the flexible lip forms a seal along an angled feature on a top surface of the rim.

13. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible lip is designed so that the cap drives the flexible lip into the sealing position.

14. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible lip is designed so that the opening force of the container and cap assembly is independent of a seal tightness.

15. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 14 wherein the flexible lip seal does not rely on an interference fit between the container cap and body.

16. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 the flexible lip seal design decouples an opening/closing force of the assembly and seal tightness.

17. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 2 wherein the assembly of further comprises a child resistant feature.

18. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 1 wherein the container further comprises a material that is absorbs moisture.

19. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 18 wherein the assembly further comprises a desiccant entrained plastic.

20. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 19 wherein the assembly is made with a 2-shot molded sleeve. 21 The integral container and cap assembly of claim 19 wherein the assembly is made with an in-mold liner. 22. The integral container and cap assembly of claim 2 further comprising a hinge that has a recess proximate to the midway portion between the cap and the container, wherein the recess forms two hinge segments, the first hinge segment being joined to the cap and the second hinge segment being attached to the container, the recess provides a bending point for the hinge, thereby defining a point of pivot for the cap portion as it is opened or closed on the container portion.